Understanding heart and brain communication in Veterans with schizophrenia

Stressed heart-brain communication in Veterans with schizophrenia: neurovascular and autonomic mechanisms

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · VETERANS AFFAIRS MED CTR SAN FRANCISCO · NIH-11070338

This study looks at how the heart and brain work together in veterans with schizophrenia, a condition that can raise the risk of heart problems, to see if issues in brain function might affect heart health and thinking skills.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorVETERANS AFFAIRS MED CTR SAN FRANCISCO (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11070338 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how the heart and brain communicate in veterans suffering from schizophrenia, a condition that significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. By using advanced imaging techniques like functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), the study aims to explore the relationship between brain activity and cardiovascular health. The research focuses on understanding how inefficiencies in brain function may be linked to heart health, potentially leading to cognitive deficits in these patients. The goal is to uncover the underlying mechanisms that contribute to both psychiatric and cardiovascular issues in this population.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are veterans diagnosed with schizophrenia who may also be experiencing cardiovascular issues.

Not a fit: Patients without a diagnosis of schizophrenia or those who do not have any cardiovascular concerns may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies that address both mental health and cardiovascular risks in veterans with schizophrenia.

How similar studies have performed: While there has been some research on the relationship between mental health and cardiovascular disease, this specific approach using fMRI to explore heart-brain communication in veterans with schizophrenia is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.